Spiritually Connected Magazine Issue 5 | Page 14

SPIRITUAL MEANINGS OF NAMES When Choosing a name for a baby boy or girl is very important to do some research before you decide on a name. Only recently I was checking the names of my family and friends to see if the meaning of their names matched their character. To my amazement, the names did matched the individual's character. It showed me the importance of a name and it is powerful.  As parents and guardians, we must be very careful when we are naming our children because it can shape their destiny. I think it's also important for children to know the meaning of their names as it will help in giving them an assurance of how special they are to their family and the impact they will make in this world. In biblical times God gave names to persons because their names identified with God’s purpose for their lives. Here are a few biblical names and their meaning. God changed Abraham’s name from Abram meaning… “high father” to Abraham meaning “Father of many or multitudes.” His wife Sarah also had a name change from Sarai which meant “princess” to Sarah “mother of nations.” The descendants of Abraham and Sarah formed many nations including, Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Jacob: his name changed from being Jacob meaning “supplanter” to Israel, “having power with God”     Peter:  Jesus changed his name from Simon which meant “he has heard” or “listen” to Peter meaning “rock or stone.” A name can have a positive or negative meaning. So be wise when choosing. SPIRITUALLY CONNECTED | 14